Updated IDE and Latest GCC Toolset Improve Application Development for BA2x Family Processors

Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA, and Ljubljani, Slovenia — January 22, 2013 — A new version of the BeyondStudio™ Integrated Development Environment (IDE) eases software development and upgrades compilation and debugging features. It works with the BA2x Family of 32-bit processor IP cores developed by Beyond Semiconductor and available from intellectual property provider CAST, Inc.

The free, Eclipse-based BeyondStudio IDE extends the popular open source GNU C/C++ language tools for use with Beyond’s BA2™ instruction set architecture. It now incorporates recent GNU advances by supporting the latest versions of the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC 4.7.2) and GNU Project Debugger (GDB 7.5.1). The upgraded IDE also expands features that simplify development specifically for BA22 32-bit Processors.

Improvements in the new Beyond Studio release include:

• Compiler link-time optimization is better, reducing code size by up to 10% and helping the processor run faster: BA22 benchmark speed increases from 2.31 to 2.44 Coremarks/MHz.
• Digital Signal Processing extensions are now compiler-intrinsic, increasing the opportunities for optimization and yielding smaller, denser DSP-related code.
• Additional JTAG debugging adapters are now supported, including cables from both Digilent, Inc. and Amontec.
• Newilib, the widely used C runtime library, is supported out of the box for all typical BA22 configurations, reducing preparatory work for embedded application development.

“This quick upgrade to give BA22 programmers the latest GNU tools shows our commitment to providing an industry-competitive 32-bit processor solution,” said Nikos Zervas, vice president of marketing for CAST. “Whether serving as a step up from 8-bit microcontrollers or in direct competition with traditional 32-bit processors, royalty-free BA2x Family processor cores offer a no-compromise set of benefits and results, including a broad ecosystem and easy system development.”

“Even the best technical processor design is useless if it is difficult to program or requires a slow, tedious development process,” said Matjaz Breskvar, chief executive officer of Beyond Semiconductor. “Our goal with the BA2x family has always been to provide an efficient user experience that matches the state-of-the-art architecture, performance, and competitive benefits customers find in the actual processors.”

The new BeyondStudio version 1.1.6 is available immediately to all BA22 customers. Visit the CAST website to learn more about BeyondStudio and the 32-bit BA2x Processor Family.

CAST has provided reusable semiconductor IP for 19 years, and today features 32-bit processors and 8-bit microcontrollers; advanced image/video compression and processing cores; and memory controllers, high-speed buses, peripherals, and other essential system functions. See the full line at www.cast-inc.com, or learn more by calling +1 201.391.8300 or emailing info@cast-inc.com.

Beyond Semiconductor is a privately held fabless semiconductor IP company whose comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit embedded processors with the highest code density in the industry, advanced software development tools, and complete reference platforms that enable licensees to begin product development quickly. More information can be found at www.beyondsemi.com or via techsupport@beyondsemi.com.

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